NPM registry authentication tied to specific user

We are trying to deploy NPM modules to the NPM registry from a CI pipeline. Right now we have a developer using an oauth token tied to his account, but we would like to use something more along the lines of $CI_JOB_TOKEN for authenticating with the container registry.

Does such a thing exist or do we just need to continue using a user’s personal oauth token for now?

Same issue here. I’m fine with publishing from the devs computer, from which they will be accurately authed, but it would be better if it could be done in CI. Even with that work around, I’m unsure how to give my other projects, that use this private package, access. The only way I know is to set a npmrc with my own credentials. I considered adding a custom deploy user, but then I’d have to pay for another seat… any other options here?